Mid Penn Bank donates $8,000 to YMCA of Reading & Berks

Mid Penn Bank has contributed $8,000 in state tax credits to the YMCA of Reading & Berks County.

The gift will be used to fund scholarships and classroom resources at YMCA Early Learning Centers, helping more families afford care and enabling the YMCA to maintain staff development, curriculum enhancements, and classroom supplies, the YMCA said in a press release.

Donations made through Pennsylvania’s Earned Income Tax Credit program allow eligible businesses to direct tax credits toward education and youth programs.

Expanding access is crucial, and using EITC to make a local impact is smart, Phillip Borup, president and chief executive officer, YMCA of Reading & Berks County, said in the release.

“Not only does this make a big difference for our kids and their families, but it will also have a positive impact on the entire community for years to come,” said Borup.

Mid Penn Bank’s investment reinforces a community priority: ensuring that all children, regardless of family income, can start school ready to learn, according to the release.

“Children in our YMCA’s Early Learning Centers in the city of Reading and in Richmond are getting a top-notch education in STAR 4-rated facilities, which is the highest designation recognized in the state for quality programming through PA Keystone Stars,” said Vice President Youth Development Shelley Eppihimer, YMCA of Reading & Berks County.

Keystone Stars is a quality rating system for early learning centers administered by the state Department of Education.

The bank’s partnership with the YMCA also helps stabilize working families by offering reliable childcare and learning opportunities that support parents’ ability to work and contribute to the local economy, the release stated.

“Our young learners have an academic advantage, setting them up for a lifetime of success, whether their parents can afford it or not,” said Borup.

For more information on YMCA of Reading & Berks County’s preschool and childcare programs or to offer support, please visit www.ymcarbc.org.

Mid Penn Bank is headquartered in Harrisburg and has over 60 locations throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Three of those are in Berks County, in Sinking Spring, Muhlenberg and Wyomissing.

The bank also has branches in West Chester, Chester County and Blue Bell, Montgomery County, as well as eight locations in Schuylkill County.